The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been hugely popular for decades. While there are thousands of great vintage and modern cards on the market, some stand out as particularly valuable and historically significant. Here is an in-depth look at what are widely considered the 20 most desirable baseball cards:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The gold standard of collectible cards is, of course, the ultra-rare T206 Honus Wagner. Produced between 1909-11 by the American Tobacco Company, estimates say only 50-200 examples still exist in mint condition. The image of “The Flying Dutchman” sliding into third base is one of the most iconic in sports. One mint example sold for $6.6 million in 2016, setting records.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The Mantle rookie card is arguably the single most coveted modern card (post-WWII). With its charming image of an upstart Mick taking a big cut, it represents one of the first megastars of the 1950s post-war boom. High grade PSA 10 examples have reached over $2 million at auction.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the earliest baseball cards featuring “The Bambino” in his iconic batting stance. High quality examples from this beautifully designed set are exceptionally rare, with perhaps fewer than 10 PSA 8s and just a couple PSA 9s known. Six-figure prices are routine for these.

1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx – Foxx’s powerful lefty swing makes this a fan favorite, though its scarcity and condition challenges rival even the great Babe Ruth’s infamous card. Like the Ruth, pristine copies command well into six figures.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” remains an enigmatic figure due to the Black Sox scandal. His rarity, at an estimated 50 surviving examples, makes his tobacco card one of the most treasured pre-war pieces.

1964 Topps/Photographs Mickey Mantle – Widely considered the single most iconic card image of all time. It perfectly captured the essence of the “Commerce Comet” in his prime. High grades have reached $100,000+.

1952 Topps Roberto Clemente – The Clemente rookie may have been upstaged in the ’52 set by Mantle, but it has cemented its status as one of the most historically significant modern issues over the decades. Pristine PSA 10s bring six figures.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – While Aaron has rightly earned acclaim for being a great and dignified ballplayer, this classic card remains a cherished piece for depicting the young “Hammer” in his early Milwaukee days before superstardom.

1911 Turkey Red Cabinets Nap Lajoie – One of the most attractive pre-WWI issues, known for its innovative die-cut design. The “Wizard of Oz” was a true star of the Deadball Era, making high quality examples quite significant.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – A rare Tobacco card of the great Philadelphia A’s lefty. Eddie Plank was a pioneer of pitching and one of the stars of Connie Mack’s dynasty teams of the early 20th century.

1911 T205 Walter Johnson – Capturing “The Big Train” in one of his blazing fastball deliveries. Johnson’s electrifying heat made him one of the most intimidating hurlers in baseball history.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – Perhaps the greatest righty of the Deadball Era. Mathewson embodied skill, guile, and competitiveness on his run to 373 career wins and three World Series rings before retiring at age 41.

1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb – Arguably the finest all-around ballplayer who ever lived. This Tobacco card, believed to number around 100 survivors in all, perfectly captures the furious intensity of “The Georgia Peach.”

1909-11 T206 Fred Clarke – Captain of the great Pittsburgh Pirates clubs of the early 1900s. Noted as one of the first true five-tool players and most innovative skippers.

1973 Topps Nolan Ryan – Widely heralded as the single greatest rookie card issued. It depicted the flamethrower in his first season for the Angels during which he struck out 383 batters with a majestic fastball. Pristine PSA 10s have reached over $20,000.

1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh – Perhaps the finest Deadball Era pitcher beside Mathewson. Walsh recorded four consecutive ERA titles and revolutionized the spitball. Highly regarded by collectors.

1973 Topps Mike Schmidt – Considered by many the finest third baseman in baseball history. His combination of grace and prodigious power made his rookie card an instant sensation.

2000 Bowman Chipper Jones – Among modern issues, Jones’ spectacular rookie photograph has become incredibly scarce in pristine PSA 10 condition due to print qualities.

1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson – One of the most charming and historically significant pre-WWI players. Captured the skills and mystique of “Shoeless Joe” prior to the 1919 Black Sox affair which has sadly overshadowed his career.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – Star outfielder of the famed Philadelphia A’s dynasty and top slugger of the Deadball Era. Highly coveted for quality examples of a player sometimes overlooked compared to contemporaries.

Condition and historical significance are the two overriding factors that make these 20 cards particularly prized among collectors today. Many represent all-time legends captured in their primes or as talented young players before superstardom. While the most elite specimens will always be reserved for the deepest of hobbyist pockets, celebrating their stories and collecting decent copies remains an attainable passion for baseball fans.